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This week in the Commons: 8 March 2019

8 March 2019 (updated on 8 March 2019)

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This week MPs passed two fast-tracked bills related to the Northern Irish budget, in the absence of a Northern Irish Executive and Assembly. Tackling knife crime was a major issue of debate, and an emergency debate was granted on the subject of no-deal Brexit ferry contracts.

Legislation

Northern Ireland Budget (Anticipation and Adjustment) (No. 2) Bill

This bill proposes measures in the absence of a functioning Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland. It authorises Northern Ireland departments to spend and use resources for the financial year ending 31 March 2019.

It provides for funds to allow departments and public bodies to deliver public services into the first half of the 2019-20 financial year.

This Bill was fast-tracked and went through all its Commons Stages on Tuesday 5 March 2019. It will now receive further scrutiny in the House of Lords.

Northern Ireland Budget Regional Rates and Energy (No.2) Bill

In the absence of a functioning Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland, the Bill makes provision about the regional rate in Northern Ireland for the year ending 31 March 2020. It also amends the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012.

This Bill is was fast-tracked and went through all its Commons Stages on Wednesday 6 March 2019. It is now with the House of Lords for further scrutiny.

Statutory Instruments (SIs)

On Monday 4 March, MPs debated the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2019. Various other draft affirmative SIs, some of which relate to Brexit planning were also voted on without debate. All were approved.

Emergency Debate

The Speaker granted an emergency debate application under Standing Order 24 from Alan Brown MP, on the subject of EU Exit Preparations: Ferry Contracts.

Following the announcement that the Government had paid an out of court settlement to Eurotunnel, the Minister for Transport and other MPs participated in the emergency debate on 5 March 2019.

Backbench business debates

This week MPs debated two subjects chosen by the Backbench Business Committee:

International Women's Day

Ahead of International Women's Day on Friday 8 March 2019, MPs held a general debate on the subject in the Commons Chamber on 7 March 2019.

The Modern Commonwealth: Opportunities and Challenges

MPs debated the opportunities and challenges facing the modern Commonwealth in its 70th year.

Private Members Bills

Ten Minute Rule Motions

Two Private Members Bills were introduced to the House following Ten Minute Rule Motions this week:

Presentation Bills

Two further bills were presented by backbench MPs:

Urgent questions and ministerial statements

This week urgent questions were asked on: 

There were four oral ministerial statements this week:

Prime Minister's Questions

In PMQs this week the Prime Minister answered questions on Brexit, knife crime, police funding and more.

Watch PMQs from this week:

Westminster Hall debates

Debates on a variety of different subjects also took place in Westminster Hall on Monday 4, Tuesday 5, Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 March. See the Parliamentary calendar to find out what subjects were debated.

Select Committees

News from Parliamentary Select Committees, including the publication of reports and details of inquiries and evidence sessions are also available online.

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